grief · family · loss · grandparents · coping
Top 5 Movies to Help Kids After Losing a Grandparent
Movie Knight Editorial Team ·
Grieving the loss of a grandparent is difficult. These five films gently explore themes of memory, family, and legacy, providing comfort and a starting point for conversations about love and loss.
The best movies to help kids after losing a grandparent are those that handle grief with honesty and hope. Films like Coco and Up explore how love and memory connect us to those we've lost.
These stories can provide a gentle way to approach difficult conversations about death, validating a child's feelings and showing that it's okay to be sad. They emphasize that while people may be gone, their impact and our love for them endure, offering a comforting message of legacy and connection.
Choose tonight’s movie
Quick picks
- Coco
- Moana
- Up
- The Lion King
- Onward
Movie Knight guide
The full list
No. 1
Coco
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Celebrating memory
Coco
A young boy named Miguel travels to the Land of the Dead, where he learns about his ancestors and the importance of remembering them. The film beautifully illustrates that our loved ones live on as long as we keep their stories alive. Parents should be prepared for emotional themes of loss and being forgotten, as well as some chase scenes involving skeletons. This film works best for kids 6 and up.
No. 2
Moana
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Legacy and identity
Moana
While not directly about losing a person, this film features a powerful bond between Moana and her grandmother, whose spirit guides her even after she passes away. It focuses on the wisdom and strength we inherit from our elders. The main heads-up is for some peril involving mythical creatures and a brief but emotional moment of loss. This film works best for kids 6 and up.
No. 3
Up
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Adventure after loss
Up
The film opens with a touching montage depicting a long, loving marriage that ends with the wife's death, sending her husband into lonely grief. His journey to fulfill their shared dream shows that it's possible to find new purpose and connection after a profound loss. Parents should be aware of the direct themes of loss and loneliness, as well as some animated peril. This film works best for kids 7 and up.
No. 4
The Lion King
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The circle of life
The Lion King
This classic story deals directly with the death of a parent and the resulting grief and guilt felt by the young protagonist, Simba. His journey to accept his past and embrace his responsibilities is a powerful metaphor for processing loss. The onscreen death of Mufasa is intense, and the villain, Scar, can be very menacing for young viewers. This film works best for kids 6 and up.
No. 5
Onward
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A quest for connection
Onward
Two brothers go on a magical quest to spend one more day with their father, who died when they were young. The film is a touching exploration of grieving for someone you barely knew and appreciating the family you still have. Be prepared for emotional moments related to loss and some scenes of peril during the brothers' journey. This film works best for kids 7 and up.
Before you press play
A note for parents
When a child is grieving, movies can provide a safe distance from which to explore big emotions. It's important to watch these films together. Be prepared to pause the movie, answer questions, and offer a comforting hug. Your presence is key to helping your child process the story and relate it to their own experience in a healthy, supported way.
Questions parents ask
Parent FAQ
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